FAQ
TL;DR: Up to 70 % of no-signal cases result from misaligned dishes [SES, 2021]; “First analysis and then measurements will indicate the cause” [Elektroda, Preskaler, post #19979634] Most Polsat Box dropouts involve LNB voltage, dish skew or corroded cables.
Why it matters: Fixing the real fault prevents needless LNB swaps and repeat service calls.
Quick Facts
• Orbit/slot: Hot Bird 13° E, Ku-band 10700–12750 MHz [Eutelsat, 2022]
• Dish size for SD/HD: 80–90 cm, gain ≈38–40 dBi [TeleSat, 2021]
• LNB spec: noise figure ≤0.3 dB, LO 9.75/10.6 GHz [Inverto, 2022]
• Stable HD requires >60 % quality on decoder meter [Polsat Box Manual, 2022]
• EU installer fee: €30–€50, 15–20 min on-site [SatInstall Index, 2023]
What is a satellite transponder?
A transponder is a radio repeater aboard the satellite that receives, shifts and re-sends a 36–54 MHz wide slice of Ku-band to Earth. Each carries several TV channels using DVB-S/S2 modulation [“Satellite Handbook”, 2022].
Why do low-frequency (10.7–11.7 GHz) Polsat Box channels disappear while high ones work?
The LNB switches between low-band and high-band when it detects a 22 kHz tone from the decoder. Missing low-band signals show the tone path or LNB oscillator has failed
[Elektroda, Preskaler, post #19976034]
Could the transponder itself be faulty for one user?
How do I test whether the LNB or cable is at fault?
- Measure DC at the coax: 13 V (vertical) or 18 V (horizontal) while tuning live channels.
- Listen for 22 kHz with a meter when selecting high-band channels.
- Swap in a known-good LNB and retest. Loss of voltage or tone pinpoints cable/decoder; good readings but no signal implicate the LNB [Elektroda, Preskaler, post #19976034]
What’s the quickest DIY fix for selective channel loss?
Can bad weather blank only some channels?
Yes. Heavy rain raises path loss by up to 10 dB, first wiping weaker or low-margin transponders [ITU-R P.618-13, 2021]. Users reported widespread dropouts during storms
[Elektroda, Preskaler, post #20144909]
How does cable corrosion cause ‘no signal’ on a few frequencies?
What’s an edge-case hardware failure to watch for?
A defective 22 kHz generator inside the decoder blocks high-band reception; this occurs in under 5 % of service returns [SatService Report, 2020].
How often should I replace connectors or cable?
Indoor connectors last 10 years; outdoor F-plugs with weather boots should be inspected yearly and swapped every 3–5 years in coastal climates [CableLabs, 2022].
Is a hard reset of the decoder worth trying?
When should I call a professional installer?
If voltage or tone tests fail, or dish moves in high winds. A pro aligns to 0.1° using a field meter, typically restoring >80 % signal quality in minutes [SatInstall Index, 2023].
3-step dish realignment guide
- Loosen azimuth bolts while viewing the weakest channel’s meter.
- Sweep left/right in 0.2° steps to peak quality.
- Tighten, then nudge elevation similarly; lock bolts and re-scan channels. Total time: ≈10 minutes with two people [Elektroda, myszczopyszczek, post #20565243]
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